2021 Porsche Cayenne Review
Overview
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is an SUV by design but a sports car by nature. This largest of Porsches provides a diverse range of power-trains that include a pair of proficient V-6s, a modern plug-in hybrid, and a thundering twin-turbo V-8. Of course, power is pointless if it isn't properly harnessed, and the Cayenne's innate athleticism and sublime handling traits ensure it lives up to the German brand's illustrious history. Its spacious interior is basically a canvas for customization thanks to Porsche's extensive roster of available options. While these features can quickly inflate its price, and we think some should be standard, at least they're discretional. Besides, the 2021 Cayenne—and its coupe counterpart (reviewed separately)—are mid-size luxury crossovers that fully engage driving enthusiasts. That makes them our favorite choice.
What's New for 2021?
Porsche spices up the 2021 Cayenne lineup with the return of the GTS model. While the company hasn't announced changes for the rest of the lineup, we now know that the GTS will have a 460-hp twin-turbo V-8. Along with more desirable standard features, it'll also benefit from a lowered suspension and other performance hardware. The 2021 GTS is the top-of-the-line version of the regular Cayenne, but it's just as much a gateway to the high-powered Turbo variants (reviewed separately).
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Cayenne: $69,000 (est.)
- Cayenne E-Hybrid: $83,000 (est.)
- Cayenne S: $86,000 (est.)
- Cayenne GTS: $108,650
The new GTS is a compelling option since it's the only non-Turbo variant with a V-8. However, we're very fond of the normal Cayenne, which is about $40,000 cheaper and still impressively quick. It already comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot—among other popular equipment—and my preferred configuration would expand upon that with thoughtful options. I'd add the Premium package that includes 14-way power front seats, adaptive LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, a more powerful Bose surround-sound system, hands-free passive entry, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. I'd also optimize its on-road performance and off-road capabilities with the Sport Chrono package (expanded drive modes and launch control, the Off-Road package (extra underbody protection and additional displays), and the adaptive air suspension. Individual options that would improve its style and increase its luxury include a set of 20-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
If you want more performance than the base Cayenne delivers, the Cayenne S offers an even zestier setup courtesy of its 434-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. It bolts to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Its electric motor and turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 make a combined 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Its 14.1-kWh battery pack can be charged via a standard 3.6-kW onboard charger or an optional 7.2-kW unit. The new GTS model boasts a 460-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that promises the best-sounding exhaust note and breathtaking acceleration. The available Sport Chrono package brings selectable drive modes and improves acceleration. All power-plants pair with an astute eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche attempts to imbue every product with a particular set of skills—specifically those that cater to driving enjoyment. While making anything that weighs more than two tons move gracefully is challenging, the engineers in Stuttgart were successful with the Cayenne. The S model moves quietly and steadily at highway speeds before seamlessly transitioning to twisty sections, where it showcased surprising athleticism for its size. Most models wear standard 19-inch wheels, but they can be optioned up to 22 inches. The GTS rides on standard 21-inch rims and a lower suspension than the regular models. Most models have performance options that include adaptive dampers with or without an adjustable air suspension, four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability, and active anti-roll bars for flatter cornering. The Cayenne's brakes can be upgraded to Porsche's tungsten-coated iron rotors (called Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, or PSCB) or costly carbon-ceramic stoppers. The base model we tested had neither setup nor still needed only 159 feet to stop from 70 mph.
Fuel Economy
While the EPA hasn't released fuel-economy figures for the 2020 Cayenne lineup, I don't expect the ratings to change from last year. The government estimates the 2020 Cayenne earns 19 mpg city and 23 highway. The more powerful Cayenne S is rated at 18 mpg city and 22 highway. The base Cayenne's EPA combined fuel economy is slightly behind rivals such as the BMW X5 and the Volvo XC90 when they are equipped with similar power-trains. The E-Hybrid version should provide the best fuel economy when driving around town, but the EPA hasn't released its estimates for that model.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Porsche essentially provides a blank canvas inside the Cayenne for customers to outfit as they see fit. Everything from the interior trim to the seat-belt colors to the surface materials can be individually selected. The driver faces a snazzy gauge cluster with an analog tachometer flanked by two 7.0-inch screens that display selectable information. In addition to traditional options such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats, the Cayenne offers desirable upgrades, including more supportive seats, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, and more. Whereas the rival Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 have three rows, the Porsche has only two. Still, its back seat is adjustable and provides plenty of stretch-out space. The Cayenne entices Porsche enthusiasts with ample passenger capacity and cargo volume, which are obviously far greater than any 911's. It's the largest Porsche SUV and provides 27 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and up to 60 cubes with the seats folded flat. Interior cubby storage is unremarkable, with most small items seeking refuge in the door pockets or the shallow center-console bin. Every Cayenne includes a power-operated lift-gate; the optional passive-entry system (called Comfort Access) allows it to be opened or closed with a foot gesture.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system uses a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dashboard. Its slick interface includes a configurable home menu and many personalized settings. While the system was responsive and easy to operate during our testing, the screen attracted smudges. A rotary controller would help reduce distractions during driving. Every Cayenne has Porsche Connect Plus, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto is noticeably absent). A set of upgraded audio systems includes a 14-speaker Bose unit or a much pricier Burmester setup that pumps 1455 watts through 21 speakers. An available rear-seat entertainment system attaches two 10.0-inch displays to the back of the front-seat headrests.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 Cayenne hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Cayenne is available with a bevy of driver-assistance technology to help keep occupants safe. Every model has forward-collision warning and parking sensors at both ends. It even supports night vision with an optional infrared camera. Key safety features include:
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Porsche provides a competitive limited and power-train warranty. However, both BMW and Volvo provide lengthier coverage for complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles.
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